British police yesterday arrested a man over the death of an immigrant found in a container at Tilbury Docks, Essex.
The 34-year-old, from Limavady, Northern Ireland, was arrested just after midday at Banbridge on the A1, Essex Police said.
He was being questioned on suspicion of manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into the UK.
Meet Singh Kapoor, 40, from Afghanistan, was found dead in the container in Essex on Saturday.
Members of the 34-strong group, including 13 children, survived the ordeal. They are all Afghan Sikhs from Kabul.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of Essex Police, said: “This is a fast-moving investigation which has already involved a number of police forces and law enforcement agencies from across the United Kingdom and Europe.
“I am very grateful to officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland for their assistance this morning. We will continue to work closely with all of our policing colleagues as we pursue our investigation to bring those responsible for this crime to justice.”
This tragic incident is a reminder of the devastating human consequences of illegal migration
The group found in the container were screaming and banging after arriving at the Essex port from Belgium.
It is thought they travelled by lorry from Afghanistan before spending 18 hours inside the container as it came from Zeebrugge.
The survivors are in the care of the Home Office after being interviewed by police and are in the process of applying for asylum.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We are continuing to provide expert support, along with the National Crime Agency, to the Essex Police investigation into the discovery of 35 people in a container at the port of Tilbury.
“This tragic incident is a reminder of the devastating human consequences of illegal migration and we will do all we can to help bring those responsible to justice.
“All 34 are now in the process of claiming asylum in the UK and we are providing accommodation and support to those who require it while their cases are considered.
“The UK takes its international obligations extremely seriously and has a proud history of offering protection to those who need it.”
The Home Office does not comment on individual cases and any decision will not be announced publicly. The man is in the custody of PSNI, awaiting transportation to the mainland to be questioned by Essex Police.
Officers are searching his home address.